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Why Does God Permit Suffering?

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I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

Romans 8:18

I believe every Christian has asked this question: Why does God permit suffering? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom (Isaiah 40:28). From this verse we learn that no one can fathom the understanding of the creator of the earth. We are not capable of fully understanding the ways of God on this side of eternity. But in his Word he gives us enough understanding to trust him and to endure.

One reason why we cannot fully understand the ways of God is because we live in the physical world while God lives in the heavenly spiritual world. We see physical suffering in this world, but God sees our eternal lives with him. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul (Matthew 10:28). Our souls are who we are: it’s our personalities, thoughts and desires, while our flesh is basically the earthly suits that we wear. When we leave this earth our souls will get new, perfect, eternal glorified bodies that never age.

Christians live for Christ with their hearts focused on God and eternity. We have the powerful desire to be with the Father and the Son. The apostle Paul states: For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21). Every Christian should have this attitude and the understanding that heaven is their home. When we live with this attitude, we can trust God even in the midst of suffering and pain.

The purpose of the suffering and pain that we endure in this world is to sanctify us. We will either be closer to the Lord, living with more love, faith, and courage, or our love will grow cold and we will walk away from the Lord. Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved (Matthew 24:12-13).

We pray for everything the Spirit puts on our hearts and we accept God’s perfect answer and perfect timing. We may not understand God’s ways, but we know he loves us perfectly and he is primarily concerned with molding our minds and hearts to be Christ-like.

Christ feels our pain and through his divine love and power he comforts us. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.  For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ (2 Corinthians 1:3-5). Whatever we endure in this world, our comfort abounds in Christ.

Today put the world in God’s hands, pray for God’s divine will, pray for all of God’s people, and be a light for Christ in this world. Trust the Lord in all things and pray for his divine power in overthrowing Satan’s lies that lead people in the wrong direction. Let the violence in this world trigger your prayers for the hurting and for all the lost misguided souls.

Let’s Pray: Lord as we approach the end of all time, I pray that my faith will grow stronger and that I can walk closer to you. Guide me as your servant to fight Satan for every soul, because a soul directed to Christ is a victory over Satan. Never let my love grow cold for anyone including my enemies. In Jesus name, Amen.